James Jerome GARMAN Obituary (2024)

James "Jim" Garman 79 of Yakima passed away Saturday, December 28th. He was born March 4th, 1945, in Rugby North Dakota to Balser and Cecelia (Wentz) Garman. The family moved to the Yakima area right after he was born. He attended St. Joseph Grade School and graduated from Davis High School, and married Judy (Klusmeier), his high school sweetheart. After high school his automotive passion led him to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic. He attended diesel vocational schools where he became versed in most every aspect of diesel truck components. In 1978 he owned and operated J & J Truck Service and then finished his career working for Dale and Skeeter West at Northwest Truck Repair of Union Gap. He possessed a non-stop motor for life experiences. He loved anything that had to do with automotive, repairing, building, racing and devoted many years of his life to his profession. He had an exceptional work ethic and was known for his attention to detail and precise approach to his craft. Throughout his career, Jim's knowledge of troubleshooting and diagnosing engines or transmission problems created many friendships throughout the mechanical and truck driving community. He never really retired, he spent many hours in his home garage inventing unique useful items, for friends and family, while drinking beer and watching car races or football games with friends. When he wasn't in a garage, he was hunting, fishing, boating, camping, racing cars or going to the races, his entire life with his family and friends. Jim will be deeply missed. In addition to his wife Judy Garman of 60 years, survivors include his daughters and sons-in-laws Lisa (Garman) and Randy Mackey of Yakima, Kari Garman and Mike Navarro of Enumclaw, granddaughters Cassondra (Garman)and Kris McGehee of Enumclaw, Ary Mackey of Yakima and Kylar Navarro of Enumclaw, and his sister Eleanor Sevigny of Richland. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Miranda Haecherl (Mackey), his brothers Dick Garman of Yakima, Kenneth Garman of California, and sister Florence McGuire (Merlin) of Yakima. A Celebration of his life will be held Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 1:00pm at the Yakima Area Arboretum, 1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima, Washington 98901.